AS with any 4x4 the best engine for economy and lower emissions is a diesel.
But the Audi Q3 offers a range of petrol engines as well as three different diesels, with or without quattro four wheel drive.
Petrol power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo, with either 170 or 210bhp, and diesels on offer are all the same 2.0-litre size, with 138, 167 or 174bhp.
I have driven on winter and studded tyres in other countries a number of times, but I tested one Q3 here with winter tyres and it took steep, ice covered hills in its stride and made me the first vehicle into one snowed up village.
That was the lowest powered 140bhp TDI engine which, while never particularly quick, was more than man enough for the weight and can better 50mpg.
A standard six-speed gearbox helps towards that economy and the Q3 is comfortable over all surfaces, even when taken off-road.
The easy adjust seats are heated in some models and very comfortable, the clutch is light and the steering positive.
Equipment in the cheapest TDI I drove includes start/stop, climate, MP3 connection, alloys, split fold back seat, loads of airbags and stability and traction control.